An extended origin story of lesser known superhero, the arrogant super-surgeon Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) dominates what turns out to be a somewhat dull, formulaic action adventure.
The Himalayas look ravishing (Strange turns to eastern spiritualism at the failure of western medicine following his career-destroying high-speed car accident) but its LSD-inspired visual trickery of the infinite universe goes on too long. (At least seeing it in 3D will provide a sense of value-for-money).
Director Scott Derrickson chooses to focus on the action rather than anything approaching rounded characterisation (cue the Yoda-like Tilda Swinton or two-dimensional scowling tough guy Chiwetel Ejiofor et al) but, ultimately, fails on that score too.
Nominated for 1 Oscar in 2017 (special effects).
Rating: 48%
Director: Scott Derrickson (The Exorcism of Emily Rose, Deliver Us From Evil)
Writer: Jon Spaihts (Prometheus, The Darkest Hour), Scott Derrickson (The Exorcism of Emily Rose, Deliver Us From Evil), C. Robert Cargill (Sinister, Sinister 2)
Main cast: Benedict Cumberbatch (The Imitation Game, Star Trek: Into Darkness), Tilda Swinton (Michael Clayton, We Need to Talk About Kevin), Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 Years a Slave, The Martian)
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